The Truth of Ace

Twenty Three

Madeline Rossi

"I can't do that"

The words left his mouth as if he was saying the most awful thing ever "what?" My voice incredulous from his words

My body molded into his but broke as I moved away "Lila, let me explain"

"No, Kingsley or any other children will not be participating in your family's cruel game. You know how bad it was, why would you wish that upon your own child?" My hand shifted to my bump

"I don't wish it on them, trust me I'll spend my life fighting for them. But it'll be a part of their lives, because it's apart of mine. I'll find someone suitable to take over, but if someday they find themselves wanting to take this. I pray to god Lila they never do, it's their birth right. People will be looking for them" I looked down to my stomach, my hand was shaky

"Stress is bad for the baby and your heart" I closed my eyes steadying my breathing and found myself reaching for his hand

"Lila don't think about it okay? It's something that may never happen" he rubbed my hand in an attempt to soothe me

"My father kept me out of it" I mumbled "I didn't know he existed til I woke up in some cabin and Liza was there with minimal answers. My own aunt kept the biggest secret from me, and I trusted her" I paused

"I don't want Kingsley not to trust us Ace, I don't want that strained relationship. I know I'm in danger, I don't want out child to live in fear like me" I threw the covers over my head

I curled ball underneath closing my eyes. Then my peace was interrupted as the covers ripped off me "it's two in the morning, I don't think you want me to be a moody bitch tomorrow!"

"Lila, just know I'll do whatever I can for our children. I wouldn't have wanted to have them with you if I knew it was dangerous"

"I have to sleep, I have graduation" his arm snaked around my waist as he pulled me against him "Okay, good night Belissima" he kissed my neck as I closed my eyes trying to let sleep take me in

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I wake up to the noise of something crashing. I look around to see Aces side of the bed empty and me left confused "Ace?"

"Fuck, this is embarrassing" I hear him on the other side of the bedroom door cursing to himself

I climb out of bed and slip on my lavender slippers. As I twist the knob i hear something crash again and as I open the door I see Ace on the floor along with a tray of food all over the place

As he looks up I struggle to hold in my laughter and cover my mouth "Bellissima this is so not funny!" I smirk at him

"It kind of is" I mumble

"I made you waffles.... The whipped cream said NYU, now it's face down in the corner" I looked to see other contents of my supposed breakfast scattered around

"Come on, let's get you clean up" I offered him my hand but he refused standing in his own "my hands sticky and and it's too dangerous for you to attempt to pull me up" I shrug and look back to the ground